Imposter Syndrome: What it is and how we can deal with it.
Imagine you’ve decided to write a blog about something. You’ve figured out all inside your head and you know what you’re exactly gonna write. You did your necessary research and you feel like you’re ready to begin.
So you sit on your chair and write your first sentence. But it turns out that it is not as good as you thought.
So you read the first sentence over and over again. You feel like it’s shit. You feel like it’s not “good enough” and hang your head in shame.
You might start thinking that you’re not qualified enough for writing. It’s a kind of fear of being exposed that you’re not a good writer. And then the whole research and those ideas you had been keeping inside your head go in vain.
Have you ever experienced this?
Actually, most of us have.
Well, it’s called imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which individuals doubt or question their own potential even though they have evidence of their potential. People with imposter syndrome often feel like they don’t belong in their chosen field, or that they’re not good enough at their job. They may also worry that they’re going to be “found out” as a fraud.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to imposter syndrome, including:
- Always trying to be perfect
- Having low self-esteem
- Negative self-talk
- Fear of failure
- Lack of role models/ inspirations
- Lack of support and helping hand
The causes of imposter syndrome can have a huge impact on our lives. It leads to lack of positive approach, increases anxiety, self-doubt, stress and makes it difficult to give our best. Therefore, imposter syndrome must be acknowledged and overcome.
So how can you overcome imposter syndrome?
- Challenge your negative thoughts
- Focus on your strengths
- Set realistic goals
- Seek out support
- Celebrate your accomplishments
I would like to add some additional tips for overcoming imposter syndrome:
- Talk to someone you trust. Talking to someone you trust about how you’re feeling can help you to feel less alone. They can also offer you support and encouragement.
- Find a mentor. A mentor can be a valuable resource for overcoming imposter syndrome. They can offer you guidance and advice, and help you to develop your confidence.
- Join a support group. There are a number of support groups available for people with imposter syndrome. These groups can provide you with a safe space to share your experiences and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
- Read about imposter syndrome. There are a number of books and articles available about imposter syndrome. Reading about other people’s experiences can help you to feel less alone and more understood.
Remember, imposter syndrome is a common experience, and there are things you can do to overcome it. You’re not only the one going through this.